Office of Research Compliance

A culture of compliance begins with a culture of understanding

The Office of Research
Compliance works with offices responsible for specific components of research
compliance and university research oversight committees such as the
Institutional Review Board, Institutional Biosafety, Institutional Animal Care
and Use, and the Financial Conflict of Interest committees to ensure the
responsible conduct of research and compliance with university policies
and federal regulations related to research activity. The office oversees
development and implementation of policies, procedures, and educational
activities which satisfy university policies, state, and federal regulations
governing the conduct of research. The Office of Research Compliance is
responsible for monitoring regulatory updates and making recommendations to the
university to ensure compliance.

Human Subject Research (IRB)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center
(UNTHSC) operates a University-wide human research protection program to review
and approve all research involving human subjects. This program has two
important components: the supporting unit for Protecting Human Subjects (often
called the “IRB Office”) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB). To access the Human
Subject Research Website, click here.

Animal Research (IACUC)

The University of North Texas Health Science Center
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is a research oversight committee
charged with the responsibility of ensuring the proper care and use of animals
in research, testing, and education. The IACUC also provides assistance to
investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal
experiments in accord with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical
principles. Note that the IACUC is different from DLAM which manages and
maintains animals used in research. To access the Animal Research Website,
click here.

Research Conflict of Interest (RCOI)

The term “conflict of interest in research” refers to situations in
which financial or other personal considerations may compromise, or have the
appearance of compromising a researcher's professional judgment in conducting
or reporting research.

Federal regulations, state laws and University policies recognize that
researchers may have financial interests in research sponsors and/or in
entities with business interests closely related to their research.

UNTHSC is committed to ensuring an open and productive environment in
teaching, patient care, and research. However, the ever-increasing complexity
of our society and the various relationships between researchers and outside
institutions require attention to ensure the avoidance of real or apparent
conflict of interest issues.

To assist researchers
manage and navigate this often complex area, the Office of Research Compliance
has developed training programs, policies and procedures to try and keep this
“simple but correct.” To access the Research Conflict of Interest Website,
click here.